Overview

This book illuminates the nature and locus of authority in the Lutheran-Catholic ecumenical dialogue by comparing the concepts of Word of God, church and office in the thought of Catholic theologian Karl Rahner (1904-1984) and Lutheran theologian Gerhard Ebeling (1912- ). The study examines the ontological, anthropological, linguistic and hermeneutical principles underlying their positions. The result is the discovery of some areas of surprising convergence as well as fundamental differences. Finally, the author proposes how, despite deep differences, Rahner's and Ebeling's views are complementary rather than contradictory.

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9780820413891

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Reviews

In this thorough and comprehensive study, Dr. Ackley compares two of the most eminent German-speaking theologians of our age, the one Lutheran and the other Roman Catholic. He shows how their theologies of the Word result in comparable visions of the Church. The similarities and differences between these two theologians strikingly illustrate the issues between the two communions and point the way forward to possible future rapprochement. This work will hold special interest for theologians engaged in current ecumenical dialogue. (Avery Dulles, S.J. Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society, Fordham University) Ackley's study is an outstanding contribution to contemporary theology and ecumenism. His analysis of Rahner and Ebeling greatly illuminates the similarities and differences between two major twentieth-century theologians. This study introduces the reader not only into the theology of each of these thinkers, but also highlights central ecumenical issues surrounding the church, ministry and proclamation. I highly recommend this book. (Francis Schuessler Fiorenza, Charles Chauncey Stillman Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School) This well-researched, carefully argued book is an important study in comparative systematics and ecumenical theology. Graduate students, church professionals, or academics who seek a deeper knowledge of Catholic and Lutheran theologies and their possible rapprochement will thus find this book valuable. (Patrick J. Lynch, Religious Studies Review) Ackley's detailed comparison of the concepts of God's Word and the Church in the thought of Rahner and Ebeling makes an important contribution to ecumenical theology and provides a most instructive case study of the interconnection between hermeneutical presuppositions and theological conclusions. (Robert Masson, Theological Studies) Ackley's book, which makes an important contribution to contemporary ecumenism, holds special interest for theologians engaged in the current ecumenical dialogue. (Eglise et Theologie)

Author Information

The Author: The author recently received his Ph.D. in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, in Springfield, Ohio, and an M.Div. from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which awarded him the Eliza Catherine Smith Fellowship to pursue doctoral studies. In addition to being a theologian, he is a professional church musician in the Washington D.C. area. He has published articles on the philosophy of art and religion, ecumenical theology and clergy-musician relationships.

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